Erik ten Hag’s biggest selection dilemma for Manchester United v Tottenham

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Erik ten Hag has a decision to make at centre-back when Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The Bruno Fernandes injury news is one of the big decisions facing Erik ten Hag for the fixture on Thursday night away at Tottenham.

But in this area, United have options. Fred or Marcel Sabitzer could fill in, while Christian Eriksen can move forward, with one of the others dropping deep.

It is in central defence where United’s approach is more uncertain. There’s a popular approach and an unpopular one…

Ten Hag must choose Luke Shaw or Harry Maguire

Erik ten Hag has a choice to make at centre-back. Harry Maguire is fit again after serving his suspension in the FA Cup semi-final.

Raphael Varane is still out along with Lisandro Martinez. Victor Lindelof will start, but his partner is less certain.

Luke Shaw did a fantastic job in the FA Cup semi-final, helping United to keep a clean sheet. The popular choice would be to keep him alongside Lindelof.

Shaw has performed strongly at centre-back in testing circumstances this season, adding Wembley to his role in the Manchester derby, and the Nou Camp.

Going up against England teammate Harry Kane will be another test, and having helped restrict Erling Haaland to a goalless outing at Old Trafford, Shaw will have no fear.

Harry Maguire on the other hand will expect to return. If Fernandes is out, Ten Hag could view it as extra important to include his captain.

Maguire has had a difficult season, regularly overlooked by Erik ten Hag. This would be another blow if Shaw is selected ahead of him.

Diogo Dalot has added his name to the left-back mix lately, allowing extra leeway for Shaw to fill in at centre-back.

But Ten Hag will also be looking at this beyond this one game. Is Shaw the centre-back now, or just when Maguire is not available? Will the same decision be made against Tottenham, for Aston Villa at the weekend? Will it last until the end of the season, and the FA Cup final if Raphael Varane is not fit to return?

Maguire will be desperate to play again after his nightmare in Seville, but he can’t afford another high profile mistake. The manager has a big decision to make.